Home

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It is in Indonesia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a magnificent structure with intricate carvings and stupas, making it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. Borobudur is a massive structure built in the form of a step pyramid. It consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circulars, topped by a central dome. The entire monument is adorned with intricate carvings and relief panels depicting stories from Buddhist scriptures and teachings. The overall design of Borobudur symbolizes the Buddhist cosmology, with the journey towards enlightenment represented by the pilgrim’s ascent to the top of the monument. The temple is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. 

The complete structure of the Borobudur Temple is truly remarkable. It is built on a hill and consists of a large central stupa surrounded by several square platforms with numerous smaller stupas. The temple’s base is a square, symbolic of the earthly realm, with the upper levels becoming circular, representing the realm of the divine. The entire structure is adorned with intricate relief carvings depicting various scenes from Buddhist teachings and stories. The temple’s layout is designed to guide pilgrims through a journey towards enlightenment, moving from the earthly desires at the base to spiritual enlightenment at the peak. This gradual progression is a key aspect of the temple’s symbolic and spiritual significance. The Borobudur Temple underwent a major restoration project in the 20th century to preserve and protect this ancient site. From 1973 to 1983, the Indonesian government worked with UNESCO to restore and conserve Borobudur. Complete restoration of Borobudur was mentioned on UNESCO website, click for pdf directly from UNESCO website. The restoration aimed to address structural issues, stabilize the monument, and prevent further decay due to environmental factors. Skilled craftsmen meticulously cleaned the stone reliefs, reinforced the structure, and repaired damaged areas while maintaining the original design and aesthetic. The restoration of Borobudur was a significant undertaking that highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

The Borobudur restoration project cost approximately $6.2 million USD. This restoration project was a collaborative effort between the Indonesian government and UNESCO to ensure the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The funds were used for various activities such as structural reinforcement, cleaning of the stone reliefs, repair of damaged areas, and overall conservation efforts to maintain the integrity and beauty of the Borobudur Temple. The successful completion of the restoration project helped secure the long-term protection of this historic site for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. This is not an official website of Borobudur temple, its personal website Tribute to Dr Siva who was the founder of Prana violet Healing.

Structure: Borobudur is constructed in the shape of a mandala, representing the Buddhist cosmology. It consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circulars, topped by a central dome. The entire structure is adorned with over 2,500 relief panels and 500 Buddha statues.

  1. Purpose: Borobudur is a place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists. It was designed as a massive Buddhist monument, serving as a pilgrimage site to guide followers through the stages of enlightenment.
  2. Architectural Style: Borobudur combines elements of both Indian and Javanese architecture. Its design reflects the Mahayana Buddhist principles, incorporating elements such as stupas, mandalas, and statues.
  3. History: Borobudur was abandoned in the 14th century and remained hidden under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth until it was rediscovered in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British ruler of Java. It underwent extensive restoration efforts in the 20th century and is now a major tourist attraction.
  4. Reliefs and Statues: The relief panels on Borobudur depict stories from Buddhist scriptures, teachings, and the life of Buddha. They provide a visual narrative of Buddhist cosmology and doctrine. The Buddha statues found throughout the monument are mostly in sitting position in various mudras (hand gestures) symbolizing different aspects of enlightenment.
  5. Pilgrimage Route: Visitors to Borobudur traditionally follow a pilgrimage route around the monument, starting at the base and ascending through the levels to the top. This journey symbolizes the path to enlightenment in Buddhism.
  6. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Borobudur was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

 

Overall, Borobudur Temple stands as a remarkable testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Indonesia and continues to attract visitors from around the world.